CHAPTER III.
DICK MARCHES HIS NINE ON The automobile party arrived just in time to see the blazing roof of the little cottage crash inward, sending up a shower of sparks against the sky of the dying day.
"I hope Amos wasn't inside, hurt and helpless!" gulped the tall stranger, leaping outside.

"But why hasn't the fire department been out here ?" "The Gridley fire department doesn't respond outside of city limits, except on request and by permission of the mayor, sir," Prescott answered.
"I'll drive down and telephone any message for you," offered the chauffeur, who had left his ear behind and had traveled on foot up to the cottage.
"Firemen would be of little use now," replied the man in charge of the party.

"We can do nothing until the blazing embers cool, which won't be for hours yet.

Still, We might go as close to the blaze as possible, and see if there are any signs of a human body in the embers." While this was being done darkness came down over the summer day.
There was plenty of light, however, around the destroyed cottage.
For some time the searchers explored as well as the heat of the glowing embers would permit.
"I am satisfied," said the tall man at last, "that no human being was consumed in this fire.

If so, we would certainly see some evidences of remains.